Exciting news for international students! The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is now open for applications. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide about this fully funded scholarship, its benefits, and a step-by-step application process.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship 2026-2027 is a fully funded award for international students pursuing masters and PhD studies at the prestigious University of Cambridge. Recipients receive a £21,000 annual stipend, health insurance, academic development funding of up to £2,000, and a family allowance of up to £16,548.
The Gates Cambridge Program was founded in October 2000 following a US$210 million donation from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the largest single donation ever to a UK university.
For 2026-2027, the program will award 80 full-cost scholarships to exceptional candidates outside the UK. About two-thirds of these awards are allocated to PhD students, with approximately 25 scholarships for US applicants and 55 for international applicants.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Masters, PhD
- Institution: University of Cambridge
- Study in: UK
- Opportunity Focus Areas: All eligible courses at Cambridge (see exclusions below)
- Program Duration: Two years for Masters, three years for PhD
Deadline:
- US Citizens: Opens early September 2025 – Deadline: Wednesday, 16 October 2025 (12:00 noon, local US time)
- International Students: Dependent on course – either 3 December 2025 or 7 January 2026 (check Course Directory)
Courses NOT Eligible for Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Undergraduate degrees such as BA or second BA
- Business Doctorate (BusD)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Finance (MFin)
- PGCE
- MBBChir Clinical Studies
- MD Doctor of Medicine degree (6 years, part-time)
- Graduate Course in Medicine (A101)
- Part-time degrees or non-degree courses
Gates Cambridge Scholarship Coverage
The scholarship provides extensive financial support, including:
- University Composition Fee at the appropriate rate
- Maintenance allowance: £21,000 for a 12-month period (pro rata for shorter courses; up to 4 years for PhD)
- Economy airfare at both the start and end of the course
- Inbound visa costs and Immigration Health Surcharge
- Academic development funding: £500–£2,000 for conferences and courses
- Dependent children allowance: Up to £11,604 for one child, up to £16,548 for two or more children (no partner funding)
- Fieldwork funding: Maintain normal allowance while on fieldwork as part of a PhD (other fieldwork costs funded by the University Composition Fee)
- Maternity/Paternity funding: Up to 6 months leave while retaining maintenance allowance
- Hardship funding: For unforeseen financial difficulties
Eligibility Criteria for Gates Cambridge Scholarship
To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Language Requirement: English
- Eligible Countries: Open to all countries outside the UK
- Academic Excellence: Demonstrated outstanding academic achievement
- Course Fit: Strong case for the chosen postgraduate degree at Cambridge
- Commitment to Society: Dedication to improving the lives of others
- Leadership Capacity: Evidence of leadership potential
How to Apply for Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Follow these steps for a successful application:
- Apply for admission to a course and a college place at Cambridge, and indicate Gates Cambridge funding
- Create an account on the official application portal
- Complete your personal profile
- Prepare and submit required documents:
- Gates Cambridge Statement: Max 3,000 characters (~500 words) explaining why you are applying and how you meet the four main criteria
- CV/Resume
- Research proposal (PhD applicants only)
- Gates reference: In addition to two academic references for admission, provide one specifically about your fit with the scholarship
- Application questions
- Submit the application before the deadline
Official Website
To learn more about the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, eligibility, and application guidance, visit:
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